What the arsons of churches tells us
The burnt church. Photo: Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy
On 26 September 2024, unknown individuals set fire to the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Theotokos of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy of the UOC in the village of Stari Koshary.
In 2019, this community already lost their temple. The believers did not confront the attackers but instead began building another church for themselves.
You would think the attackers had gotten what they wanted—they seized the church that the community had restored and beautified with their own efforts. They could pray in it and leave the Orthodox believers to live as they see fit. But no! For the church attackers, it's not enough just to take a building from the Orthodox; they are offended by the very existence of a Christian community.
Where does this hatred come from? Where do the malice and hostility arise? Why can't the supporters of the OCU tolerate the presence of an Orthodox community nearby?
The answer to this question is given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
In fact, it is quite simple: representatives of the OCU, not being Christians in their essence, cannot stand those who, by their very existence, expose their hypocrisy.
This is why, by observing the actions of Dumenko's followers, one can clearly see that they have nothing in common with faith in God. If you burn a church, poison a priest's well, or commit any other injustice, know that it is far from the teachings of the Gospel!
Orthodox Christians must firmly remember the last words of the quoted passage: "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you."
Read also
Court voids state “expert review” on UOC – so where is “Moscow link” now?
Persecution for faith is a crime. And sooner or later, it receives its verdict.
A hint at a new demographic reality?
It appears that we are facing a mass influx of migrants from the poorest countries of Africa and other regions. And the absolute majority of them will profess Islam.
On the seizure of a UGCC сhurch in Tokmak
Statements by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church about “blasphemy” are not the cry of a persecuted Church. They are a textbook example of double standards.
On Budanov's statement regarding UOC
For Yelensky and his the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Budanov's statement was very untimely.
Why does OCU still celebrate Easter “with Moskals”?
On social media, “patriots” are again asking in exasperation: why are we still celebrating Easter with Moscow? How much longer?
Did Patriarch Bartholomew really mourn Filaret’s death?
Constantinople has never recognized Filaret as a patriarch – not “His Holiness,” not “honorary,” not under any title whatsoever. That alone makes the line in the Ukrainian presidential press service’s report sound astonishingly implausible.